Analytical/Experimental Investigation of Corpuscular Radiation Detectors
Abstract
Four methods potentially usable in the detection of low energy neutrinos were investigated during this project activity. The magnetic interaction approach and the metal-grain calorimeter are the approaches on which the effort mostly concentrated. However, we have also analyzed two new methods, one based on the interaction between neutrinos and superconducting electrons, and another based on a bolometric scheme that uses a silicon target. Concerning the approach based on the neutrino/superelectron interaction, it was decided to discontinue the study of this method because it does not hold sufficient promise to reach maturity within the strict constraints. As far as the silicon bolometer is concerned, activity is limited to an analytical effort, primarily because of lack of adequate funds. The magnetic interaction approach has still some theoretical points to be worked out. However, its mechanization is particularly simple, uses mostly off the shelf equipment, and it could be ready for a laboratory experiment at an earlier time than all the other sensors that we have under investigation. The foundation of this approach is the weak interaction between a current of low-energy neutrinos and a single unpaired electron in the target. Such an interaction implies an elastic scattering of neutrinos from electrons, an effect that has been observed using reactor neutrinos. The metal grain calorimeter, also known as Superheated Superconducting Colloid (SSC), is based on neutrino/nucleus scattering, that causes energy deposition by the neutrino beam on the metal grains.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 15, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA166245
Entities
People
- Mario D. Grossi
Organizations
- RTX